New West Indies coach Bennett King has called on the Caribbean side to be more consistent and bury the cash controversy which has dogged the team's build-up to their tour of Australia.

A 14-man squad, led by Brian Lara, left on Wednesday for Australia to take part in a one-day international tournament despite a major row between players and the West Indies Cricket Board officials over sponsorship rights and appearance money.

King preferred to concentrate on playing matters rather than the row as he prepared the team for their first international assignment since winning the Champions Trophy in England in September.

"They have already proven they can beat any side in the world," said King. "What is needed now is consistency."